Police "should have done better" in protecting a mother of three who was murdered and had her body hidden in a suitcase by her controlling partner, a chief constable has admitted. Bedfordshire and Luton senior coroner Emma Whitting issued a critical ruling stating that officers' failures in recognizing and responding to escalating domestic abuse materially contributed to the unlawful killing of Sarah Albone, 38.
Waddell, Albone's partner, was jailed for life with a minimum 32-year term in 2023 for the murder. Following a "frenzied and horrific attack" at her home in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, he stuffed her body into a suitcase and placed it in a wheelie bin. He then sent messages from her phone to friends and family to conceal his actions.
The couple's relationship began in 2020, and Waddell's coercive and controlling behavior led Albone to attempt to end it within two months. Despite officers being called to her home several times from August 2021, Waddell remained in her life. Her body was discovered in February 2023, three months after she was last seen.
The coroner found that the risk to Albone was significant in the 16 months preceding her murder, establishing a state duty to protect her that was not fulfilled. Records did not adequately assess the gravity of the abuse or the risks she faced, including an instance where Waddell was found lurking in her garden. Albone was reportedly devastated when officers closed their investigation, diminishing her confidence in the force and allowing Waddell to increase his control.
In one instance, a neighbor reported domestic violence, but responding officers arrested Albone for allegedly attacking Waddell. The inquest concluded that officers failed to recognize her "violent resistance," suspending inquiries despite referrals to multiple agencies. Whitting determined that Bedfordshire Police did not sufficiently assess Waddell's risk, pursue an evidence-led prosecution for coercive and controlling behavior, or adequately investigate concerns raised by the neighbor.
Preventative Measures and Police Response
The coroner is sending a report to Chief Constable Trevor Rodenhurst concerning the force's handling of applications under Clare's Law, which allows police to disclose information about an individual's history of violence. Concerns were also raised about the limited disclosure to MARAC (Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference), where agencies share information to protect high-risk victims.
Chief Constable Rodenhurst acknowledged that opportunities existed where more could have been done to protect Sarah. "While nothing can undo the pain caused by her death, we are committed to making every effort to continue to improve our response and professional practice," he stated.
Waddell was convicted in September 2023. During the trial, he claimed he had "snapped" after suffering years of abuse. Jurors heard a confession note in which he described stamping on Albone's head until it caved in, stating, "I felt nothing."
A post-mortem examination revealed catastrophic head injuries, broken ribs, and other bodily injuries consistent with a "frenzied and horrific attack." Albone, who had multiple sclerosis, is believed to have been attacked while getting in or out of bed. The assault involved stamping, kicking, punching, and potentially the use of a weapon.
After the murder, Waddell engaged in efforts to create a false narrative about Albone's whereabouts. He sent text messages from her phone, impersonating her and claiming she was in a London hospital and did not wish to see anyone. He also withdrew cash from her account and sold her belongings online.
The relationship, which began in November 2020, saw Albone become dependent on Waddell due to her multiple sclerosis and neurological disorder. However, the relationship was reportedly unhealthy, with Albone ending it in January 2021 due to his emotional control. Though the relationship resumed in April 2021, she ended it again in September after suffering a stroke. Waddell repeatedly returned, and despite being arrested for harassment and released on police bail with a condition not to contact her, he ignored it and visited her home.
In December 2021, Albone reported him for assault, detailing his controlling and aggressive behavior, including watching pornography and contacting other women. Her step-sister, Corinne Foster, described the relationship as "toxic" and noted she had not been in contact with Albone since November 24, 2021. Waddell, impersonating Albone in text messages to Foster, claimed she was in a hospital in London for mental health reasons, a claim that aroused Foster's suspicion due to the tone and grammar used.
Sentencing Waddell in September 2023, Judge Michael Simon noted the "unrestrained brutality of the attack" and the terror Albone must have experienced. Albone's sister, Nikita Clayton, stated that her sister was "found in a bin, disposed of like a piece of rubbish." The family expressed their inability to comprehend the horrific and callous nature of the act.
Bedfordshire Police stated they have implemented measures such as increased use of Domestic Violence Protection Notices, improved risk identification technology, and appointed a specialist advisor. The force is also conducting safeguarding visits and preparing a campaign to address violence against women.